Police probe on Malay NGO is an 'opportunity for reflection': Dr Yaacob

Last week's news on Malay-Muslim non-government organisation Majlis Pusat being investigated by the police for reasons believed to be related to its management of the annual Hari Raya Aidilfitri light-up projects is an opportunity for reflection, said Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Yaacob Ibrahim on Saturday.

SINGAPORE - The Commercial Affairs Division (CAD) is conducting a probe into Majlis Pusat Singapura, the Malay-Muslim non-governmental organisation (NGO) believed to be the organisers of the annual Hari Raya light-up at Geylang Serai. CAD confirmed that investigations are ongoing, but did not provide further information.

Malay-language daily Berita Harian (BH) reported that CAD's investigations involve several main executive committee members of Majlis Pusat, also known as Central Council of Malay Cultural Organisation.

According to a BH report, CAD recently raided the Majlis Pusat office in Toa Payoh Central and seized several documents and computers.

When approached by BH, Majlis Pusat confirmed that investigations are ongoing.

In a press statement released Wednesday night, they said: "Majlis Pusat is assisting the CAD with investigations on the light up projects for 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013.

"To ensure the effectiveness and transparency of the proceedings, the executive committee of Majlis Pusat has collectively agreed to be relieved of all duties and responsibilities until investigations have concluded.

"For the duration of the probe, Majlis Pusat will be under the administration of an advisor and ex-president, Mr Zulkifli Mohamed."